State conservation officials today encouraged Michigan’s turkey hunters to invite friends and family, who have never experienced the adventure, to join them turkey hunting this spring.

"Traditional outdoor activities, such as turkey hunting, provide us opportunities to spend quality time with family and friends, creating great memories that last a lifetime," said Thomas Oliver, hunting heritage program coordinator for the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. "Because of Michigan’s history of successful turkey conservation, the time of year, and the need for developing outdoor skills, spring turkey hunting is perfectly suited for inviting new hunters afield, especially youths."

Hunters have until Feb. 1 to apply for a 2005 spring wild turkey hunting license. The $4 nonrefundable application fee must be paid at the time of application and does not include the cost of the license.

"Although thousands of hunters already have applied for their license, we are encouraging them to become mentors. In order to apply, a youngster must be at least 12 years old by the time a license is purchased and have completed a hunter safety course," Oliver said.

Individuals who already have applied as an individual may form a partnership with a youngster simply by providing the license agent with their party ID number when the youngster applies for their license. Individuals may apply only once, and only two persons may be in a party.

Hunters looking to enjoy the greatest hunting flexibility with a youngster should check out the guaranteed hunt period (Hunt No. 234, May 2-31), which includes all open areas, except public lands in Unit ZZ. Hunt No. 234 may be purchased online or from license agents during the application period. Individuals who select this option will not be charged the $4 application fee. Hunters also may select this hunt as a second choice on their application.

If licenses are still available after the drawing, the remaining licenses will be issued on a first-come, first-served basis to unsuccessful applicants in the license lottery. These individuals may purchase one leftover license in person at any license-issuing agent beginning March 7 at 10 a.m. (EDT). The guaranteed hunt period (Hunt No. 234) also is available to unsuccessful applicants.

First-time hunters may benefit from attending workshops located throughout the state. The DNR and various conservation organizations are cooperating to offer wild turkey hunter orientation courses. The training sessions are open to anyone and may include turkey hunting method, calling regulations and population status. A fee may be charged and space may be limited. Click here for a list of all workshops being offered this spring.

For more information on Michigan turkey hunting, click here.

Individuals who would like to share their story about taking a new hunter afield or a first-time hunting experience should send it, along with a cover letter giving the DNR permission to reprint the story, to Hunting Heritage Program, Michigan Department of Natural Resources, PO Box 30444, Lansing, MI 48909.